Loving the Lawman Read online

  Upon reaching the depot in Colfax, they changed trains, boarding the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad train bound for Grass Valley. The small, bustling town, home of the gold-rich Empire and North Star Mines, had been a hub of activity since its founding during the Gold Rush of '49. For Valerie and Noah, however, the town held a different, more profound significance.

  Watching the bellhop bring her luggage into their second-floor suite at the well-heeled Holbrooke Hotel, she felt her nerves getting the better of her again. She turned to the window, watching the colorful bands of sunset that striped the sky. "Tomorrow is the day, Noah."

  He eased up behind her, and slipped his strong arms around her waist. His body pressed against hers, he leaned in to nuzzle her neck. "Yes, my love. Tomorrow." He kissed her, his lips brushing the delicate skin just beneath the shell of her ear. With slow, passionate kisses and caresses, he drew her into the bed.

  The next morning, she rose with cockerel, roused her husband, and made haste to get herself dressed. Once they had gotten ready, and had a light breakfast in the hotel dining room, a hired hack took them to Mount Saint Mary's Convent and Orphan Asylum.

  A nun escorted them inside. With each step, Valerie could feel her heart pounding. She fairly vibrated with excitement and anticipation. This was a day she'd thought would never come, and now that it was happening, she couldn't seem to temper her emotions. Brushing a tear from her cheek, she held fast to Noah's hand, and followed the young nun into a small chapel. There, at the altar, waited another, older sister, as well as a priest. In the sister's arms was a squirming young boy.

  Holding fast to the child, the nun spoke. "Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, I'm Sister Mary Matthew. It's so nice to finally meet you." The nun spoke with the thick accent of her native Ireland. "This is Father McClanahan."

  She offered a greeting to them, as did Noah, but her eyes were locked on the child. From her correspondence with Sister Mary Matthew she knew the child to be male, about ten months old, and as curious and willful as ever a child could be. A chocolate skinned tot with eyes the color of polished copper, he wore a white gown lovingly fashioned of cotton and lace.

  "Have you decided what to name the boy?" The question came from the smiling priest, whose accent was just as pronounced as that of the nun.

  She wanted to answer the question, but found herself too emotional to speak.

  As if sensing her plight, Noah answered. "Yes. He's to be named Abraham Silas."

  She looked at her husband, and felt her love for him blooming anew. Once again, he'd come to her rescue, just as he'd saved her from the mayor's careening carriage, and from the darkness that almost consumed her after her mother's death.

  Sister Mary Matthew held the child over the basin of water that rested on a pedestal before the priest. He squirmed all the more, but remained quiet save for a few coos.

  "Very well, my child." The priest dipped his fingertips into the basin, and sprinkled the droplets of water on the child's forehead. "Then I baptize you this day, Abraham Silas Rogers. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." He took a cloth from the folds of his robes, and dabbed the moisture from the babe's face. "May God bless your new family."

  Sister Mary Matthew passed him into Valerie's waiting arms. He was far lighter in her arms than Adam Smart, but every bit as endearing. Little Abe looked into her eyes briefly, then rested his curly head upon her bosom. As she held her child close, she felt everything within her become overwhelmed with love for him. "Isn't he precious, Noah?"

  Tears standing in his eyes, Noah embraced them both, and offered a serene smile. "As precious to me as you, my love."

  They took Abraham home a few days later. Bernard was delighted to meet his brand new grandson, and was immediately enamored with him. By the time the new year dawned, Abe had taken his first steps, right into Noah's waiting arms. One spring day, when the buds began to pop open and flower, Abe stood in the garden of his parent's home. Raising his arms to Valerie, he called her "Mama," and she hugged his little body and kissed his face while tears filled her eyes.

  And when the summer sun shone down on the town of Ridgeway, it cast it's rays on the newly remodeled schoolhouse, bearing a sign that read:

  Doris Ridgeway Primary School

  Dedicated to the memory

  of a beloved member of the founding family

  by the people of Ridgeway;

  June, 1886

  The End

  A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  Hello, reader. Thanks so much for reading Loving the Lawman. I know the tone of this book was just a shade or two darker in tone than the two previous books in the series, and I hope this didn't distract you from the love between Noah and Valerie. I truly appreciate the time you've given to this book- I know there are many things competing for our attention these days.

  You're probably wondering if there will be another installment in the Roses of Ridgeway series, now that I've completed a trilogy. The answer is yes... but there may be a little bit of time before book 4 hits the stands. I'm currently developing several projects, but I will return to Ridgeway as soon as I can manage. The best way to keep up with what I'm doing, where I'm going, and what I'm working on is to subscribe to my newsletter. You can do that by going to my website's homepage.

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  If you enjoyed this book, I'd appreciate you taking the time to leave an honest review.

  Did you miss the first two books in the series? If you did, please be sure to check out the other two titles:

  Kissing the Captain

  The Preacher's Paramour

  All the Best,

  Kianna

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